The Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League (SPFL) was back in action on Sunday at the Francis Baba Lastic Grounds in Gros Islet with two Tier 1 matches. Dennery won to move up to second place, while Soufriere climbed to third after drawing with Mabouya Valley
Dennery started the day in fifth, level on points with Canaries, but ahead on goal difference. They eked out a narrow and somewhat fortunate 2-1 win. After dominating the early exchanges, the east coast giants rocketed into the lead thanks to an acrobatic finish from Jamie Prospere in the 41st minute.
Canaries kept pressing as Dennery eased off, inviting waves of attacking pressure down the right flank. Eventually, the ball fell to Mcathur Louis just inside the 18-yard box. He fed Cassius Joseph, who beat one man and sent a laser into the far netting with half an hour remaining.
Six minutes later, Dennery went back in front with the last goal of the match. Kurt Frederick’s corner kick found Newton Marshall, and his header deflected off Oneal Toussaint for an own goal.
In the second match, Soufriere’s goalkeeper Maju Riviere, celebrating his birthday, started with his team in fourth place on goal difference. In the 41st minute, he became the center of attention when he left his area and handled the ball. The referee ruled that he stopped a goal-scoring chance for Mabouya Valley and sent him off with a red card.
Notwithstanding, Soufriere kept pushing and took the lead goal through Mahvy Rismay on the stroke of halftime.
Soufriere played with discipline while a man down and leading, but eventually conceded. In the 67th minute, Torian Joseph finished a quick counterattack to score his second goal of the season.
The match ended 1-1. Mabouya’s William Cenac did not score for the first time this season but leads the league with five goals.
Tier 1 SPFL action continues at the Francis Baba Lastic Grounds on Tuesday, August 25. Vieux Fort North will play league leaders Vieux Fort South at 9 p.m.
